How Do You Spell BELDAME?

Pronunciation: [bˈɛlde͡ɪm] (IPA)

The word "beldame" is a somewhat archaic term used to refer to an old, often unpleasant woman. Its pronunciation is fairly straightforward: /ˈbɛldeɪm/. The "be-" sound is pronounced as "bell," and the stress falls on the second syllable, "dame," which rhymes with "game." Interestingly, the "dame" part of the word is derived from the French word "dame," meaning "lady," while "bel" comes from the Middle English "bele," meaning "fair" or "lovely." Thus, the term "beldame" originally referred to a beautiful or noble old woman before its meaning shifted over time.

BELDAME Meaning and Definition

1. Beldame is a noun that refers to an old woman, typically a disagreeable or malicious one. The term is derived from the Middle English word "bealde" meaning "old" and the French word "dame" meaning "lady." Beldame is commonly used to depict an elderly woman who is seen as intimidating, bossy, or unpleasant. It often carries connotations of a witch-like persona, characterized by a haggard appearance, ill-mannered behavior, and sometimes even involvement in sorcery or black magic.

   The term beldame can also be used more broadly to describe any elderly woman, regardless of her character or behavior. In this sense, it emphasizes the advanced age and life experience of the woman, putting emphasis on her seniority and wisdom gained through the years.

   While the word beldame can carry a negative connotation due to its association with negative traits and stereotypes, it is essential to recognize that it is an outdated term that is now rarely used in modern language. In contemporary usage, it is considered archaic and somewhat pejorative, as it perpetuates ageist and sexist attitudes towards older women. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution and sensitivity when using this term.

Common Misspellings for BELDAME

• veldame
• neldame
• heldame
• geldame
• bwldame
• bsldame
• bdldame
• brldame
• b4ldame
• b3ldame
• bekdame
• bepdame
• beodame
• belsame
• belxame
• belcame
• belfame
• belrame
• beleame

Etymology of BELDAME

The word "beldame" has its origin in Middle English, specifically derived from the Old French "bel dame", meaning "beautiful lady". The term later transitioned to English during the 15th century. However, over time, the meaning of "beldame" shifted, and it took on a negative connotation referring to an old or elderly woman, often associated with witchcraft or having an unpleasant demeanor. The word's etymology highlights how language evolves and the semantic changes words undergo throughout history.

Similar spelling words for BELDAME

• palladium,
• beldam,
• Pilidium,
• Polytomy,
• palladium-107,
• tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0),
• palladium-item,
• pallidum,
• Bladum,
• blitum,
• bultema,
• platham,
• beholden,
• BULATOM,
• Belden,
• palladam,
• playdom,
• belladonna,
• beldham,
• playtime,
• palatum,
• pyelotomy,
• POLTM,
• beholding,
• POLYTMO,
• palatium,
• POLYDMO.

Plural form of BELDAME is BELDAMES